MANACOR, September 1, 2018

Matthias Bachinger and Bernard Tomic are the finalists of the inaugural Rafa Nadal Open Banc Sabadell. First up on Center Court at the Rafa Nadal Academy on Saturday evening was the 31-year-old German, who beat No. 7 seed Enrique López-Pérez of Spain 6-4, 6-3.

“Conditions were not easy today, as it was windy and we had to deal with shadow as well as the sun on the court. I haven’t played at this time of the day so far this week, so it was a bit different but I am happy to have won this match,” Bachinger was pleased afterwards and seems to enjoy his stay in Manacor.

Bachinger’s return to Mallorca

“We feel really comfortable here. You have everything you need: a great gym, fantastic food. It’s even possible to take an ice-batch after your matches. 

“I had the chance to practice with Rafa for a couple of days back in 2007 but I cannot really remember, where it took place. It’s been my first time in Mallorca since then. I was here with my parents for holidays when I was kid. I guess, this seems to be pretty unusual for a German,” Bachinger laughed.

The World No. 178 from Munich is enjoying a good run in Manacor, as his last main draw match win took place at the BMW Open in his home town in April.

“I didn’t feel my best mentally as well as physically during the last couple of weeks, but it has already become better at the US Open. Now I am feeling really good and it’s getting better and better. The tennis season is very long, you have to travel a lot and consequently there are ups and downs during the year. Being in a final is something special. Of course I want to win it now and I am looking forward to it,” Bachinger said.

Tomic continues good run of form

The unseeded German will next take on Bernard Tomic, who knocked off big-serving Frenchman Kenny de Schepper 6-3, 6-4 later in the evening. The No. 6 seed from Australia saved all six break points he faced, converting two of his own six chances to prevail in one hour and nine minutes.

Tomic and Bachinger will meet for the first time. Both players are seeking their first title of the season.

Ariel Behar of Uruguay and Enrique López-Pérez were crowned doubles champions without playing the final, as Daniel Evans from Great Britain and Gerard Granollers withdrew from the match due to illness of the Spaniard.